Nationally recognized ornithologist Simon Thompson joins us during the spring migration to help us locate and identify the birds that surround the Lodge. Simon has led trips throughout the world for birders and naturalists, and is very active in conservation and birding organizations in Western North Carolina.

Simon Thompson owns and operates his own bird watching and natural history tour company, Ventures, Inc., based in Asheville, NC. The company leads small groups of naturalists and birders both within North America and to many locations throughout the world.

In western North Carolina, he is also the ornithologist at Chimney Rock Park and is active with both the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society and the Henderson County Bird Club. Since moving permanently to the US in 1987, Simon has been the ornithologist and nature director at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) in Tryon, NC. He has been active in various conservations activities, is a member of the American Birding Association and the Carolina Bird Club, and plans many bird watching talks and programs throughout western NC.

Simon and his partner, Chris, own the Asheville, NC Wild Birds Unlimited Store. As well as selling a great line of top quality bird seed and feeders, they also stock an excellent selection of bird houses, books, binoculars and a unique line of North Carolina nature gifts.